CAROLINA BEACH, NC (WWAY) — Carolina Beach was inundated with heavy rains Monday as potential Tropical Cyclone 8 made landfall in Cape Fear.

In some areas, 18 to 20 inches of rain fell in less than 24 hours.

Several streets in the area, including Canal Drive, Carl Winner Avenue and Lake Park Boulevard, were closed all day as rising waters inundated lower-lying areas, leaving several cars stranded.

According to Bruce Oakley, Carolina Beach’s city manager, the flooding is the worst since Hurricane Fran in 1996.

“During Florence we had 20 to 30 inches of rain over multiple days. We’ve had reports of 14 to 20 inches in 12 hours, so it’s just more than any storm water system can handle, but we’ve done our best to keep pumping. We still have crews pumping right now. All of our pumps are working, we still have crews watching the drains, making sure that this water is getting out and flowing,” Oakley said.

Many residents were caught off guard by the floodwaters. Caroline Harden and Sami Scarborough said the flooding was unprecedented.

“I’ve lived here for three years now and I’ve never experienced anything this bad,” Harden said.

“I’ve been here a little over five years. I’ve seen floods here, but nothing like this,” Scarborough added.

Others, like Pama Hamlett, jumped into action to save their loved ones. Hamlett’s daughter was stranded in the floodwaters with her four dogs.

“She lives in that greenhouse there, and we’re trying to get her and our four dogs out of there,” Hamlett explained.

Hamlett’s husband waded through the rushing water to pull the four dogs to safety.

The flooding also affected local businesses. Michael McLaughlin, owner of The Fat Pelican on Lake Park Boulevard, said the water came so fast that he had little time to prepare.

“There is water in the building. I’m trying to get the stuff out that was outside and has floated away,” McLaughlin explained.

But like many other longtime residents who have lived through the worst of the storms, McLaughlin remains optimistic.

“Just bring a hose. If you’ve ever been in the Fat Pelican, I’ll bring a hose and wash it all clean so you can go again,” McLaughlin said.

City officials told WWAY Monday afternoon that at least 20 water rescues had taken place and that about a dozen people had sought shelter at the City Hall recreation center and local hotels.